Exploring the Ancient and Complex Use of Cohoba: A Powerful Hallucinogenic Inhaler from South America

Cohoba, also known as Yopo, is a hallucinogenic inhaler made from the seeds of the Anadenanthera peregrine tree, which is mainly found in tropical America. Cohoba is often mistaken for tobacco, and the tube is sometimes confused with a smoking pipe. The two main components of Cohoba are Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and Bufotenine, which are powerful hallucinogenic compounds

Cohoba is also known by various other names, including cebil, coboba, cojoba, curupa, curuva, hataj, kurupa, kurupayara, niopo, nupa, ñopo, parica, vilca, yopo, and yupa. The Mimosa plant itself is not illegal in countries like the United States, except in Louisiana, where it has been illegal to grow mimosa for human consumption since 2005. However, DMT, one of the major ingredients in Cohoba, is illegal in most countries.

The human relationship with Cohoba is long and complex. It was first observed by Christopher Columbus during his second journey to America between 1493 and 1496. It was used by the Taino Indians in Hispaniola and was later identified as a preparation of the seeds of Piptadenia peregrine (Anadenanthera peregrine) by American ethnobotanist W. E. Safford.

Cohoba is used in healing and religious rituals by various indigenous cultures. The subtleties of how it works vary from tradition to tradition. The Cuiva in Colombia and Venezuela use it as an expression of their right to live in the world. The Piaro people have a more conflicting relationship with it, seeing it as a relic of the past with the power to harm and heal, which is essential for shaping the future.

A Cohoba experience can last 45-60 minutes, with the peak reaching 20-30 minutes. Users report losing touch with reality, stiffening up for a while, then relaxing their limbs and lowering their heads. Many experience severe burning, nausea, vomiting, and a propensity to bad trips. Reported psychedelic reactions include speaking to a god, imagining being in a different time and place, communicating with spirits in everyday objects, and experiencing intense insight. Users generally express a strong sense of tranquility and satisfaction when the experience is over. However, it is important to note that Cohoba can cause users to lose control over themselves, so people with long-term mental health conditions should avoid using it.

Cohoba is believed to allow people to transform into jaguars and other animals and prepare for war. This expresses how powerful Cohoba is.